Crested Mallard??

[lil'chickies]

Has any one heard of this? I think I may have one. It's had a yellow spot on the back of it's head since I got him. It's growing a little and I didn't know if it might be a crest on it? How soon can you tell gender? I see mention of the tail feathers turning or something and don't quite get it. I'm just being honest, and would appreciate some advice on this.

Thanks,
Sarah M.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Yes there are crested everythings I believe, but a crest would look like a crest upon hatching, unless it was only a partial crest.

The tail feathers is for drakes only, and they don't get those until they are at least 4 months old. Another way to tell is by their 'voice'. Females make a noticeable quacking sound, and they usually start it pretty early. My pekin girly started quacking around 2 weeks old, rouen and cayuga girls around 4-5 weeks.

 

[lil'chickies]

Thank you so much. The mallard in question is one I bought at TSC.

So I'm pretty sure it was born with it. One of mine has quacked once. Not a mallard, but it's either a pekin or buff. Not really sure. I'm not very concerned about sex, just hoping I have some of each so maybe they can have some babies of there own in the future!!

 

[shelleyd2008]

If it has a puffy looking thing on the back of its head, then it is a crest.